PAWKINS. Why, I cannot say nuffing, while you goes on choking me like that! (_FERGUSON lets go_) That's better! Well, then, I didn't have no thoughts about Mrs. Ferguson--Mrs. Ferguson don't come up to my hideas of female beauty. (_snaps his fingers_) That for Mrs. Ferguson! If you will tear from me the secrets of my 'art, I com'd arter Jemima, Mrs. Ferguson's young 'oman--there, now, ye knows all about it. I've told the truth, and I can shame--Ferguson! THWAITES. (_comes forward, L._) So, Mr. Pawkins, it was Mrs. Ferguson's Jemima, was it? Are you aware, sir, that I pay my attentions in that quarter? Are you aware that I'm Thwaites? PAWKINS. Are you, indeed?--who says you ain't? There ain't no advantage in being Thwaites, as I sees--I don't want to be Thwaites. You're one of them swells as takes out a young 'oman on a holiday, and grumbles at the expense all the blessed way there, and all the blessed way back;--you prefers the ha'penny boat to the penny, and you prefers walking to heither. Thwaites, you ain't the favored man, so drop Miss Jemima;--I don't say what I'll do if you don't--but just take an 'int, and drop Miss Jemima. (_AGATHA and DE WINDSOR come forward, R._) AGATHA. (R.) Really, papa, this is an extremely vulgar scene, at our party. DE W. (R. C.) Disgustingly so, my dear--but join the guests, and make the best of it. (_AGATHA retires up_) WHITE. (_coming forward, C._) Well, father-in-law, I hope you are satisfied now! DE W. Mr. Pawkins, I have an apology to make to you--you'll think it very absurd--but I--I--ha, ha!--I scarcely know how to express it--but I actually took you for a thief! PAWKINS. (L. C.) You ain't the first, else I shouldn't have been tried at the Hold Bailey this morning. Look ye--a fellow chucks a watch into my umbrella---- WHITE. (C.) Yes, yes, we know all about that; besides, you are completely cleared. DE W. (R.) Perfectly; your character is as cloudless as a fine day in July, and I am about to give you the most convincing proof of my confidence. PAWKINS. (_aside_) He's going to ask me to shave him! DE W. (_crossing to C._) I have long been looking out for a man of indubitable integrity, to act as my cashier; I keep nearly the whole of my fortune locked up in a strong box, so I may as well give you the key now. (_about to give key, WHITEWASH hastily comes between them_) WHITE. (_C., intercepting_) No! no! what are you about? A thief!--a common pickpocket! DE W. (R.) Ha, ha! victory!--you admit it, do you? (_retires to GUESTS, R._) WHITE. (_aside_) Caught, by all that's unlucky! PAWKINS. (L.) Come, I say, master, this 'ere won't do: when I looks black, you makes me white; and when I'm whitened, you makes me black: I've a jolly good mind to---- WHITE. Oh, go to the devil! _Enter THWAITES, C. from L., with a letter._